prime the pump

Idioms  

1. Encourage the growth or action of something, as in Marjorie tried to prime the pump by offering some new issues for discussion. In the late 1800s this expression originally was used for pouring liquid into a pump to expel the air and make it work. In the 1930s it was applied to government efforts to stimulate the economy and thereafter was applied to other undertakings.

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Example Sentences

The machine heats up quickly and is ready to go in about a minute, though you’ll need to prime the pump to move water through the system before pulling your first shot.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2021

“So in this case, you’re using venture money to prime the pump and keep the cycle going. Vertex will be investing in this for years to come.”

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2021

Either by starting tech companies or attracting firms here, “We have to prime the pump to fuel the stream of great ideas here,” McDonald said.

From Washington Times • Mar. 29, 2020

They prime the pump and use their comments section as a chance to build their following.”

From The Guardian • Aug. 25, 2017

After that we prime the pump to get all the air out, our eyes meeting as we wait for the formula to make its way down the tube.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

Related Words

• back
• bankroll
• fund
• guarantee
• promote
• sponsor
• subsidize
• support
• underwrite